Tuberculosis is a bacterial
infection that, while largely under control in the United States, still plagues developing countries. Tuberculosis, also known as "TB," can be fatal if not treated. However, several
antibiotics are available that are very effective in treating tuberculosis.
Symptoms of tuberculosis typically start as a cough with some sputum that increases with time. The tuberculosis patient often
sweats profusely at night and may suffer from
shortness of breath. As tuberculosis progresses, the
bacteria can spread throughout the body affecting a wide array of organs and systems including the
kidneys,
bladder,
brain,
joints,
reproductive organs, and
spine.
View sub-topics at right to learn more about some specific drugs used to treat tuberculosis and some of the drugs' more serious adverse side effects.
See Also
- Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs: Overview
- Pyrazinamide
- Rifampin